Stations of the Cross

Award for Religious Arts

Scott Parsons

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The Stations of the Cross are conceived of as stopping-off points for the congregation to sojourn at prayerful markers, contemplating the Holy Week journey of Christ into Jerusalem through his suffering, death, and resurrection. Aesthetically, the designs complement three large mosaics embedded in the church floor in 2014. The swirling fields of color in each mosaic panel contain hundreds of pieces of mosaic glass. Interweaving fragments of gestural color and deep contrast signify the Paschal mystery of death and new life. Hung against the muted-red brick of the four interior sanctuary walls, the panels serve as small, jeweled cairns. Measuring only 8 x 10 inches in size, the scale is intimate and devotional within the larger liturgical and worship experience. The Stations of the Cross were blessed on Good Friday, April 2, 2021.

Jury Comments

These unique and interesting mosaics are effective devotional objects that demand your attention. Displayed in a challenging church interior, these elements are assertive and relate to the church’s existing stained glass. They are little gems in a rather bleak space, that direct and focus prayer.

Project Team Members

Scott Parsons, artist
Mosaika, fabricator
TSP Architects, architect
Rev. Thomas Hartman, clergy

Project Consultants

Pietro Giraldo and Scott Parsons, photography